Details on HTC's new and improved Sense

Today in London, HTC announced three major things: the Desire HD handset, the Desire Z handset, and a new and improved Sense interface. HTC has been very explicit in saying that the Sense is not a UI or an overlay, but rather something else, something whimsical, something… dare we say, magical. After HTC was done doing their best Jonathan Ives impression, they got down to actually detailing what the new Sense (not a UI) thingy will bring. Here is a list of some of the new features:

The boot time of Sense has been cut down to 10 seconds.

DLNA support is built in to allow content streaming to other DLNA devices.

A new incoming call screen slides up from the bottom of the screen instead of taking up the entire screen.

Maps will now cache data to facilitate quicker map rendering.

A digital compass is utilized to allow the map to orient itself to the direction you are heading.

The new Sense focuses on letting you control and interact with your data instead of merely presenting it to you.

A new website will launch next month — htcsense.com — that will allow you to:

Backup and view text messages and call logs.

Remote wipe the device.

Enable call forwarding.

Send map coordinates or trip information.

Locate your phone.

We’re still waiting on the official press release from HTC that will detail all the new goodies that Sense has to offer. We’ll be sure to update you on anything that was missed.

“The new Sense focuses on letting you control and interact with your data instead of merely presenting it to you.”

That’s incoherent.

Djblois

No its not – it says that it allows you to work with your data instead of just view your data. It is perfect English.

OldNewOne

Fine. Do you have an example to share? It’s marketing-speak, plain and simple.

Djblois

No it is perfect English – I even explained it to you.

Steel

So, will I be able to update my Incredible w/ this new version?

HTC needs to use the Market to make such upgrades available.

Djblois

I do not think they can currently – because Sense is not a program but it attaches itself to the OS. I think they should make it an overlay program instead – so we do not have to wait as long for updates.

PAPINYC

Oh-oh, typo’; think you meant down and not ‘dow’? Great article, though. Thank you.

Andrew Munchbach

Fixed. Thank you :)

PAPINYC

Anytime. I know that [sometimes] in a rush to post a ‘typo’ can just be a darn devil.

DInc

Sense is amazing.

bringit

I find incense to be too strong of a smell. Although generally it’s used to cover up an even worse smell.

Brought

I think you’re trying too hard here. Were you supposed to be funny?

bringit

Maybe it will be new and improved.

JahmeZZ

Actually there is a specific section of the settings section for HTC only Updates. I have an EVO. Love HTC Sense. Hope they update all their current handsets with the new Sense.

Stock Android Fan

Maybe this version of Sense will have an “Off” button that allows the phone to run Vanilla Android?

http://robert.aitchison.org Robert Aitchison

I guess that would be a way to “improve” it/

Raffy

Surprised that current ANDROID owners (95% of them) will have to buy new hardware. Instead of an update? That’s why people love APPLE at least your hardware will be good for 2 years with OS updates…

serpentor

You mean OS updates that specifically leaves out features that older hardware is capable of? Those updates?

http://robert.aitchison.org Robert Aitchison

My G1 bought in 2008 is still going strong running Android 2.2.

Apple which cripples the feature set for iOS upgrades for “legacy” devices and there is no custom ROM community, people have to rely on Jailbreaking to try to get some of those features back (as well as features Steve never wanted you to have to begin with) and engage in a constant battle with Apple over who controls the phone you spend hundreds of dollars for,

Steve

Yeah unlike the Droid series on Verizon where you have to root the phone to remove the bloatware they install.

THAT’S SO MUCH BETTER!

McMe

Actually.. yes.. yes it is SO MUCH BETTER!

I’d rather live with a few bloat ware apps on a verizon phone with the option to remove them if I want.. than to be forced to be attached to Steve-o’s sack.

Matt

Can you remove iTunes from the iPhone? What about all references to mobileme? Can you remove the Appstore and use another digital marketplace instead? What about iAds, can you remove that? How about that included weather app? Voice memos? The iPhone’s media player?

Bloatware is a matter of user perspective/opinion.

boogalooboy

Now the wait begins to see if “old – read 6 months old and newer” will get the new software features. Knowing HTC probably not, unless you buy a new handset, cue the same old excuses.

With WP7 you get all updates, no biting your nails waiting for HTC new non-Sense.

Faalkor

Looks like HTC is doing a good job of being innovative and staying relevant. Time for the American companies to step it up…I’m looking at you Motorola and Apple.

Notsure

I dont think some of the features are really that innovative..For instance, DLNA support, remote wipe, device location were in Motoblur 1.0 as well as WebOS 1.0(1.5 years old)…Sending map info is already in market place…so the real good stuff with new Sense UI is quick booting…everything else just ‘apple-like’ marketing..

tomm

Sense is ok but nothing beats cm6 with launcerpro…

DInc

mmmm root.

I’m partial to Virtuous.

http://sprint.com HabibAKAJohn/Peter/Tom@SprintPOS

When are they going to refresh the actual UI? It’s getting stale.. it’s been around since 1.5. Hopefully they don’t keep lightly refreshing it like they did for Windows Mobile. HTC Sense got old quick.

ChocoTaco

Ugh. I don’t care what HTC calls it. Sense is a UI – it’s a damn overlay, no matter what they market it as. And, it’s crap. I don’t care how pretty it looks. It just slows development and causes fragmentation issues. If you want to use Android, then use Android – good ol’ stock Android. I wish it were possible nowadays. I hope all these awful 3rd party Android UI’s go the way of the dodo ASAP.

Matt

If you don’t like it, root your phone. It’s not like you have an iPhone and you’re forced into a once-a-year update cycle.

Crybaby.

ChocoTaco

How does rooting my phone get me regular stock Android updates for Google? The idea behind bone stock Android is that I won’t have to root my phone and flash buggy, custom OS’s that have updates pushed out irregularly from some guy sitting at his computer in his underwear.

Yea, I’ll take your advice. I’ll shut up and be complacent so nothing ever changes. How the hell would the market EVER get better for consumers if everyone were as pathetic, silent and easily intimidated as you?

Sad.

tk

.. talking on this isnt exactly expressing your opinion to the companies.. jsing

webby

Sense UI is decent, but I’m seriously considering going back to Launcher Pro Plus on my new Incredible.

Laucher Pro Plus > Sense UI

justin

Don’t suppose they got around to fixing their bluetooth stack to include HID and SPP profiles so people can pair with cars and keyboards did they? ….

IFone Phan

Wow, remote wipe and locate without paying apple $100/yr for a crappy mail account. I will be dumping my receptionless iPhone4 very soon. Look for me on eBay!!!

mostlyDigital

Lots of good stuff, but no one mentioned the new landscape screens including landscape home screens.

And the quick boot is almost a work-around for the “starting network” hang problem. :-)

Rob

sounds like an iphone with mobile-me…oh wait that’s waht they’re trying to copy

spudman

sounds like a lotta MotoBlur stuff they’re taking….

Realist

Will the evo receive these updates

Djblois

Try posting something relevant to the conversation.

chris vaios

you sound like a bitter ex-employee! move on idiot!

Djblois

You sound intelligent. What do you think these comments are supposed to be – a conversation about the post.

Djblois

Stop spamming.

Justin

You so imply that there is a reason behind this. Why don’t you enlighten all of us as to why this is instead of just posting the same comment about the illusion that is being so called being crafted?

Justin

I see no gain from leaving a writers name listed please enlighten everyone as to what the site could gain by doing this.

Justin

Djblois – I understand that but was curious as to what the user could even try and come up with as to a valid reason. Also I think it’s funny that people are down ranking someone because of the simple fact that I am trying to get a user to use logic with what they are saying.

Djblois

Justin,

I agree – most people do not know how to use the + and – buttons correctly. It is not supposed to be used if you do not agree with someones comment – it is supposed to be used if someone adds value to the conversation. If you are trying to get value out of someones comment then you are adding value – so even if I do not agree with you you should get a +.

I got – when asked if the Evo would get the upgrade? Why it is a relevant and useful comment that adds value. Someone probably does not like the Evo so they hit -.